New CBI director Ranjit Sinha to work on improving forensic capabilities

A 1974-batch Bihar cadre officer, Sinha, who is also holding charge as director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, succeeds AP Singh who retired on November 30.

Senior IPS officer Ranjit Sinha, who took over as the new CBI director on Monday, said he would lay special emphasis on addressing delays in execution of Letters Rogatory and improving forensic capabilities of the agency.

A 1974-batch Bihar cadre officer, Sinha, who is also holding charge as director general of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, succeeds AP Singh who retired on November 30.

The 59-year old Sinha, who will have a two-year tenure, had served in the agency as DIG and joint director during his earlier stints. Addressing the media after assuming charge, Sinha said he was aware of challenges facing the agency like shortage of manpower, delays in execution of Letters Rogatory and in the forensic field and would try to address them during his tenure.

Dismissing the controversy regarding his appointment, he said, "I don't think there is any controversy. I think the government has taken a decision and because of that decision I am here."

"I don't think there was any resentment among IPS officers. I do not know who filed a petition or complaint against me. It (appointment) is the prerogative of the government," he added, when asked about petitions filed against his appointment.

To a question whether the CBI director should have a five-year fixed tenure, he said it is a policy matter and at present it is a two-year tenure. In his opening remarks, Sinha said, "It is with the deep sense of responsibility that I take charge of the pretigious office of the CBI director. I feel very honoured and, at the same time, I am also humbled at the important task bestowed over to me. CBI is the nation's premier agency for investigating corruption and crime."

Delving on the rigours associated with the job, Sinha said public and constitutional courts have reposed faith in the agency and this bond would be strengthened under his supervision.